Question

Which of the following interventions should be avoided when treating a patient with an arterial insufficiency ulcer on their lower leg?

a) compression dressings
b) gait training with an assistive device
c) applying a hot pack to the femoral triangle
d) bilateral heel raises

Answer 1

When treating a patient with an arterial insufficiency ulcer, applying a hot pack to the femoral triangle should be avoided because it can increase circulation too rapidly for a compromised vascular system to handle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The intervention that should be avoided when treating a patient with an arterial insufficiency ulcer on their lower leg is c) applying a hot pack to the femoral triangle.

Patients with arterial insufficiency ulcers require careful management to promote healing and prevent complications. Compression dressings are typically contraindicated in arterial insufficiency because they can further restrict blood flow to an area already suffering from poor perfusion. Gait training with an assistive device is generally safe and may help improve mobility without adversely affecting the ulcer. Bilateral heel raises are a form of exercise that may be performed if they do not cause pain or exacerbate symptoms.

However, applying heat, such as a hot pack to the femoral triangle, can increase circulation to the area rapidly, which can be detrimental for a patient with arterial insufficiency as their vascular system may not be able to handle the increased blood flow.